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Judge orders separate trials in Zumba prostitution case

KENNEBUNK, Maine (AP) -- A judge has ordered separate trials for two people accused of being involved in a prostitution business at a Zumba fitness studio in a Maine seaside town.

A lawyer for insurance agent Mark Strong Sr. said Tuesday the judge put Strong's case on the January trial list while Zumba instructor Alexis Wright's case will be tried later.

Wright is charged with turning her studio into a brothel in Kennebunk, a town of 10,000 residents. She's from nearby Wells. She has pleaded not guilty to charges including prostitution and invasion of privacy.

Strong is from Thomaston. He has pleaded not guilty to dozens of misdemeanor counts.

Strong's lawyer, Dan Lilley, says he's looking forward to having the evidence scrutinized by a jury.

At least 58 men have been charged with engaging a prostitute. Some are from New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

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